Desarrollo de fotocatalizadores basados en TiO2 en forma de película delgada para la degradación de moléculas orgánicas en solución acuosa

Abstract

TiO2 is used in a wide variety of applications, including photocatalysis in the environmental area for surface self-cleaning as well as air and water purification. In order to develop new materials with better photocatalytic response, it has been proposed the modification of TiO2 following different strategies. In this work, the basics of photocatalysis are summarized discussing the advantages of using photocatalysts in thin film form. The results of the preparation and characterization of zinc-modified TiO2 thin films using a novel synthesis route are presented; these indicate that depending on the Zn load incorporated into the film mixtures of TiO2 with Zn titanates are formed. The obtained results in the photocatalytic evaluation of the films in the degradation of the malachite green dye are shown, it was found that the films containing Zn have a better response practically doubling the degradation degree obtained with the sample without Zn. KEYWORDS: photocatalysis, TiO2, thin film, malachite green.